MINUTES OF CCS PTO MEETING – September 8, 2014

OPENING PRAYER:

The meeting began at 6:35 with an opening prayer by Paul Fisher. There were 25 people in attendance.

INTRODUCTIONS/WELCOME: Nichole welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited everyone to introduce themselves.

OLD BUSINESS/OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

This year’s consignment sale netted the largest amount ever: $650.00. The next consignment sale will be held at Parents’ Night on September 26, 2014 (6-8 p.m.); there will also be spirit wear available for purchase that evening.

We are continuing with the Giant A+ Bonus Card program.

MINUTES:

Copies of the minutes from the last meeting were distributed and are self-explanatory. Chris Gerasimowicz asked that questions or comments be directed to her or Nichole Tucker.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Cheryl Snyder reviewed the report; she explained the “teachers’ allowances”; she noted that the $2,777.00 expenditure was for the new sign at the front of the building; the consignment sale netted quite a bit, even after the payment for the clothing racks and the 50/50 split with consignors.

ADMINISTRATION REPORT(S):

Preschool/Grammar School: Jill Barton:

Mileage Club will be starting again this year. It is a K-5 Program where children are encouraged to run/walk during recess to earn toe tokens. It is funded by PTO this year.

In keeping with the Classical Education Program, there will be an upcoming “Colonial Day”; it will be held outdoors and demonstrate things such as wood cutting, applesauce making, etc.

There are plans to have a “Renaissance” or “Middle Ages” Day in the spring.

She is looking into options for healthier snack options; several parents are on board with that. More to come...

Secondary: Paul Fisher:

Mr. Fisher pointed out that PTO is not run by the Administration; it is supplemental and all decisions are made by PTO members, not influenced by teachers/administration, etc.

Secondary Houses will be hosting social events in the fall; all students/parents are encouraged to attend. House Games will happen on October 6 at Camp Manatawny.

In the absence of John Mark Niehls, Mr. Fisher pointed out 2 special upcoming events:

1) Fearless2014.com – This is the Founders’ Dinner Event with speaker Eric Metaxas, who totally understands the Classical School curriculum; he has written several books on the issue (One example: 7 Men). This is CCS’ largest fundraising event of the year; 850 were in attendance at last year’s event.

2) October 2, 2014 a free simulcast in the CCS Chapel: Science/Faith: Are they really in conflict?

NEW BUSINESS:

Volunteers and nominations are being sought for Committee Chairs and Executive Board: The Vice-Chair position was vacated and needs to be filled; also, an events coordinator; and grade level representatives to serve as a “PTO Connection” with each grade.

Nichole also suggested forming a Welcoming Committee, a Communication Committee (to create a contact with Performing Arts Boosters, Athletics Boosters, Grandparents, etc.), and a Spiritual Committee.

MARKET DAY: In Kathy Elam’s absence, Nichole presented what is new for Market Day this year: Profits will be passed along to students going on the Mission Trip. In past years, only 50% went to the Seniors. However, since the trip is also open to 10th & 11th grades, it was decided that profits will be divided by Houses in order to earn money for their trip attendees.

There was a suggestion that there should be a Market Day link on the CCS website. By the end of the meeting, Scott Minor said this had been accomplished.

AUCTION:


Dana Molfetto described the auction – as there were several new members in attendance not familiar with that. She noted it was PTO’s biggest fundraiser.

Donations for the Auction are currently being accepted.

There is not an official date on the calendar for the auction, as we were seeking a change in venue, but it looks like that may not happen this year. Most likely, it will be held again at French Creek Golf Club in Elverson. Details to follow...

PTO UPCOMING CALENDAR:

There will be an official calendar printed up by week’s end; however some events are:

Harvest Fest at Farmer’s Daughter in Spring City. This consists of a hayride, corn maze, bonfire. There is a small fee associated with attending this event.

Homecoming Weekend kicks off on Friday, October 10, 2014 with a Grandparents’ Breakfast. Saturday, October 11, 2014 PTO will host a pancake breakfast which runs from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Chris Gerasimowicz spoke about this breakfast and asked anyone interested in volunteering to contact her). The day continues with a fall festival from 10-1: there will be a bounce house, face painting, helicopter landing event sponsored by the local police department. Nichole asked for volunteers, especially with the bounce house.

Miscellaneous Discussion/Question/Answer:

The House/grade with the highest PTO parent attendance will win a pizza party provided by PTO.

Someone asked how many PTO members we had last year. Nichole said it was 35 and we are looking to have that number increase this year.

Nichole explained that anyone can be a member of PTO, the only difference is that dues paying members have the ability to vote.

Nichole will provide a brief description of all open PTO roles available so that people can make decisions on how they would like to participate.

Dana Molfetto pointed out that Houses are required to put in 40 volunteer hours – so they would be a great resource for some of PTO’s volunteer needs.

There was a question about the “Peaceful Playground”...Mr. Fisher said this is basically on hold because of an issue with the Township. He would like to move forward on other items, such as technical development, unless there was a real push from PTO to continue on with the “Peaceful Playground”.

Nichole thanked everyone for attending and after a closing prayer by Jill Bartong, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:45 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Christina Gerasimowicz,

CCS-PTO Secretary, 2014-2015